Storage system comprising plurality of storage system modules

ABSTRACT

A plurality of modules ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) comprise a plurality of virtual volumes with which the same volume identification number is associated. A module ( 2 ), which receives a write request from a computer, searches for an unallocated real area from among a plurality of real areas in the module ( 2 ) rather than from among a plurality of real areas in the other module ( 1 ) if a real area has not been allocated to a write-targeted virtual area in accordance with the write request. The module ( 2 ) allocates the real area retrieved from the module ( 2 ) to the write-targeted virtual area, and writes data according to the write request to this real area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This application relates to and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application number 2008-99797, filed on Apr. 7, 2008,the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to a storage system thatcomprises a plurality of storage system modules.

A storage system having a dynamic capacity allocation function is knownas one storage system that comprises a plurality of physical storagedevices (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2005-011316and Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2006-302258). This storage systemcomprises a virtual logical volume (hereinafter, referred to as a“virtual volume”) and a storage area pool (hereinafter, referred to as a“pool”). The virtual volume is comprised of a plurality of virtualstorage areas (hereinafter, referred to as “virtual areas”). The pool iscomprised of a plurality of real storage areas (hereinafter, referred toas “real areas”). A real area is a storage area based on a plurality ofphysical storage devices.

In accordance with the dynamic capacity allocation function, theoccurrence of a data write to a virtual area in the virtual volumetriggers the allocation of a real area in the pool to this virtual area,and the data is written to this allocated real area.

Incidentally, a storage system configured with a plurality of storagesystem modules (hereinafter, abbreviated as “modules”) is conceivable.Hereinafter, a storage system configured using a plurality of moduleswill be called a “modular storage system”. Each module comprises aplurality of physical storage devices, and a controller for controllingaccess to the plurality of physical storage devices. The plurality ofmodules can be operated and managed so as to appear to be a singlestorage system. Further, the storage capacity and throughput of thestorage system can be changed as needed by increasing or decreasing themodules.

When the above-mentioned dynamic capacity allocation function isemployed in a modular storage system, for example, the configurationshown in FIG. 30 is conceivable.

That is, a modular storage system is configured with a module (A) havinga port (A) and a pool (A), and a module (B) having a port (B) and a pool(B). Modules (A) and (B) are managed as though they are a single storagesystem. For this reason, the host (H) recognizes the single storagesystem as having ports (A) and (B).

Only module (A) comprises the virtual volume (VVOL). Since the host (H)is able to access the virtual volume (VVOL) via either port (A) or port(B), in addition to a first path (P1), which links port (A) to thevirtual volume (VVOL), a second path (P2), which links port (B) to thevirtual volume (VVOL) is established.

If consideration is given to a case in which a data write request (W) issent from the host (H) to a virtual area (V) in the virtual volume(VVOL), the following four scenarios are conceivable.

Case W1: Module (A) receives the write request (W) via the first path(P1), and allocates a real area in pool (A) to the virtual area (V).

Case W2: Module (A) receives the write request (W) via the first path(P1), and allocates a real area in pool (B) to the virtual area (V).

Case W3: Module (A) receives the write request (W) via the second path(P2), and allocates a real area in pool (A) to the virtual area (V).

Case W4: Module (A) receives the write request (W) via the second path(P2), and allocates a real area in pool (B) to the virtual area (V).

Although not shown in FIG. 30, even if consideration is given to a casein which a read request (R) for data from a virtual area (V) is sentfrom the host (H), the following four scenarios, that is, the same kindof cases as those described hereinabove, are conceivable.

Case R1: Module (A) receives the read request (R) via the first path(P1), reads out the data from a real area in pool (A) and sends thisdata to the host (H).

Case R2: Module (A) receives the read request (R) via the first path(P1), reads out the data from a real area in pool (B) and sends thisdata to the host (H).

Case R3: Module (A) receives the read request (R) via the second path(P2), reads out the data from a real area in pool (A) and sends thisdata to the host (H).

Case R4: Module (A) receives the read request (R) via the second path(P2), reads out the data from a real area in pool (B) and sends thisdata to the host (H).

In the above-described cases W2 through W4 and R2 through R4,communications (hereinafter, referred to as “inter-modulecommunications”) are required between module (A) and module (B). Forexample, in Case W2, inter-module communications for allocating a realarea in pool (B) to the virtual area (V) take place. In Case W3,inter-module communications for transferring the write request (W) viaport (B) to module (A) take place. In Case W4, inter-modulecommunications for transferring the write request (W) via port (B) tomodule (A), and inter-module communications for allocating a real areain pool (B) to the virtual area (V) take place.

In accordance with the considerations described above, I/O performancecan degrade as a result of the occurrence of inter-module communicationeven when a write request/read request (I/O request) is by way of thesame port (A) or (B) (More specifically, the length of time from whenthe modular storage system receives an I/O request from the host (H)until a response is returned to the host (H) increases.). Further, sincethe number of times that inter-module communications occur will differwhen the port through which the I/O requests (write request/readrequest) pass differs, I/O performance may differ.

SUMMARY

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent as much aspossible the occurrence of inter-module communications in a modularstorage system.

Another object of the present invention is to ensure that I/Operformance is as uniform as possible no matter which port of a modularstorage system an I/O request passes through.

Yet other objects of the present invention should become clear from theexplanations that follow.

The plurality of modules comprises a plurality of virtual volumes withwhich the same volume identification number is associated. If a realarea has not been allocated to a virtual area targeted for a write inaccordance with a write request, the module (the own module) thatreceived this write request from a higher-level device searches for anunallocated real area not from among the plurality of real areas in theother module, but rather from among the plurality of real areas in theown module itself. The own module allocates to the write-targetedvirtual area the real area detected in the own module, and writes thedata according to the write request to this real area. The plurality ofmodules, for example, can be configured from one or more first modulesand one or more second modules. The first and second modules have thesame functions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one example of the overall configuration of a computersystem related to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed example of a memory package;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a path information table;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of I/O processing ina modular storage;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of virtual volume technology;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pool table;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a page table;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual volume table;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an overview of one characteristicfeature of the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the process for creating avirtual volume;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a path definition process inthe first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a write process when thevirtual area for which a page in the own module has been allocated isthe write-targeted virtual area;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a read process when a page inthe own module has not been allocated to the read-targeted virtual area;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a write process when a pagein the own module has not been allocated to the write-targeted virtualarea;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the process for allocating apage to a virtual volume;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an overview of one characteristicfeature of a second embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual volume table in thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a page replication processwhen a path is defined;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of page replication processingduring a write process;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of page replication processingduring a read process;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a path information table inthe second embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a path definition process inthe second embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of page replicationprocessing during a read/write process;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of replicated page deletionprocessing during a write process;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of replicated page updateprocessing during a write process;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of replicated page deletionprocessing when a new page is allocated;

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of replicated page deletionprocessing when a path is defined;

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of replicated page deletionprocessing due to the passage of time;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a variation of inter-module linkage; and

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the problem.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Several embodiments of the present invention will be explainedhereinbelow be referring to the figures. Further, it is supposed thatwhen computer program is the subject hereinbelow, the processing isactually carried out by the processor (CPU) that executes this computerprogram.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a computersystem related to a first embodiment.

This computer system comprises a host 100; a modular storage system(hereinafter abbreviated as “storage system”); and a maintenanceterminal 270. The storage system, for example, is configured by twostorage system modules (hereinafter, referred to as “modules”) 200. Amodule 200 is one element of the storage system (a subsystem) thatcomprises a controller and a physical storage device. Further, the host100 and the respective modules 200 are connected via a firstcommunication network 110. Further, the modules 200 themselves areconnected via a second communication network 282. The secondcommunication network 282 is independent from the first communicationnetwork 110. Another type of communication medium, such as either afirst or second leased line, can be employed instead of either the firstor second communication network 110, 282.

The two modules 200 are recognized by the host 100 as being one storagesystem. When distinguishing between the two modules 200 in the followingexplanation, these modules 200 will be referred to as “module 1” and“module 2”. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, there are two modules200, but there can also be three or more modules 200.

The host 100 is a computer that sends an I/O request to the modularstorage system.

The maintenance terminal 270 is a terminal (computer) for maintainingthe storage system, and is coupled to the respective modules 200 via athird communication network 281. The maintenance terminal 270 comprisesa maintenance port 275; CPU 271; memory 272; and input/output unit 274.The maintenance port 275 is coupled to a maintenance port 213 in aprocessor package 210. Operating information is acquired from theprocessor package 210, and a maintenance operation is sent to theprocessor package 210 by way of the maintenance port 275. The memory 272stores a maintenance program 273. The CPU 271 realizes maintenance byreading out and executing the maintenance program 273 from the memory272. Furthermore, the memory 272 can also store information acquiredfrom the processor package 210. The input/output unit 274 is the userinterface (for example, a keyboard, mouse, monitor or the like) forreceiving an operation from the user, and displaying storage systemoperating information to the user. Furthermore, it is supposed that themaintenance terminal 270 has a power source (not shown in the figure).

A module 200 comprises a controller; HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 240; andswitch 290. The controller is configured from a front end package 260(hereinafter, referred to as the “FE package”); the processor package210; a memory package 220; and a back end package 230 (hereinafter,abbreviated as “BE package”). The respective elements and switch 290that configure the controller are interconnected via an internal network(for example, a crossbar switch) 280. Furthermore, at least one of theFE package 260, processor package 210, memory package 220, and BEpackage 230 can be a plurality of packages.

The FE package 260 has one or more ports 261. The port 261 is coupled toa port (not shown in the figure) via which an I/O request is outputtedfrom the host 100 by way of the first communication network 110, andreceives the I/O request (write request/read request) from the host 100.

The processor package 210 has a processor (for example, amicroprocessor) 211; local memory 212; and maintenance port 213. Theseare interconnected via an in-package network (for example, a CPU bus)214. At least one of the processor 211, local memory 212, andmaintenance port 213 in one processor package 210 can be a plurality.

The processor 211 executes the processing of an I/O request from thehost 100 by executing a computer program stored in a program unit 222 ofthe memory package 220.

The local memory 212, in addition to temporarily storing data, which istemporarily used by the computer program executed by the processor 211,also stores data (control information, application data, or a program)that has been stored in the HDD 240 or memory package 220. The physicaldistance from the processor 211 to the local memory 212 is shorter thanthe physical distance from the processor 221 to the memory package 220or HDD 240. Thus, data to be used in a process executed by the processor211 can be processed more rapidly by storing this data in the localmemory 212 rather than storing it in the memory package 220 or HDD 240.

Maintenance port 213 is coupled to maintenance port 275 in themaintenance terminal 270 via the third communication network 281.Processor package 210 operating information is sent to the maintenanceterminal 270, and a maintenance operation is received from themaintenance terminal 270 by way of the maintenance port 213.

The memory package 220 is configured by either one or a plurality ofmemories, and has a control information unit 221; program unit 222; andcache unit 223. The program unit 222 stores programs for realizingprocessing executed by the storage system 200. The control informationunit 221 stores the control information used by these programs. Theprograms and control information stored in the memory package 220 areread out from the processor 211 in the processor package 210. The cacheunit 223 temporarily stores data inputted/outputted to/from the HDD 240.If there is target data in the cache unit 223, the processor 211 canacquire the target data from the cache unit 223 without accessing theHDD 240. If high-frequency use data, which has been stored in the HDD240, is stored in the cache unit 223, the processing speed for an I/Orequest from the host 100 can be expected to improve. Furthermore, thememory package 220 can be made redundant to avoid losing data when afailure occurs.

The BE package 230 has one or more ports 231. The port 231 is coupled tothe HDD 240 via a back end communication network (for example, a fibrechannel network) 283. Write-targeted data temporarily stored in thecache unit 223 is written to the HDD 240, and read-targeted data, whichis read out from the HDD 240, is temporarily stored in the cache unit223 via this port 231.

The switch 290 is coupled to the front end package 260, back end package230, processor package 210, and memory package 220, and is a circuitboard for controlling communications among these elements. The switch290 in the own module 200 is coupled to the switch 290 in the othermodule 200. Inter-module communications is carried out via the switches290. Furthermore, hereinafter, the coupling of the switches 290 may becalled “loose coupling”, and inter-element coupling via the internalnetwork 280 may be called “tight coupling”. This is because packages inown module 200 are able to directly reference and update controlinformation stored in the cache unit 223 of this module 200, and,conversely, directly referencing and updating control information storedin the cache unit 223 of the other module 200 is not permitted from theown module 200, but the processor 211 in the own module 200 canindirectly reference and update this control information by making arequest to the processor 211 in the other module 200. That is, tightcoupling refers to coupling by which it is possible to directlyreference and update control information, and loose coupling refers tocoupling via which the control information is indirectly referenced andupdated.

The HDD 240 stores data, which is used by software (for example, adatabase management system) executed by the host 100, that is, data thatis the target of an I/O request from the host 100. Further, one or moreHDD 240 can be grouped together into a unit called a parity group (orRAID group). That is, high reliability can be realized using a methodsuch as RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks). The respectivestorage areas that configure the storage space for the parity group canby a volume 250, which is a logical storage device. Furthermore, in thefirst embodiment, HDD 240 is used as the physical storage device, butother types of physical nonvolatile storage devices, such as flashmemory or DVD can also be employed. Further, a plurality of types ofphysical storage devices can be intermixed in own module 200 or onestorage system.

FIG. 2 shows the details of the memory package 220.

As the control information stored in the control information unit 221,for example, there is a path information table 2211 in whichpath-related information is recorded; a virtual volume table 2212 inwhich virtual volume-related information is recorded; a pool table 2213in which pool-related information is recorded; and a page table 2214 inwhich page-related information, which will be explained hereinbelow, isrecorded. The computer programs stored in the program unit 222, forexample, include a read program 2221 that controls a read process; awrite program 2222 that controls a write process; a path definitionprogram 2223 for defining a path; a path deletion program 2224 fordeleting a path that has been defined; a page allocation program 2225for allocating a page to a virtual area; a replica creation program 2226for replicating data between the modules in page units; a replicadeletion program 2227 for deleting a replicated page; a controlinformation update program 2228 for updating control information; and avirtual volume creation program 2229 for creating a virtual volume.These tables and programs will be explained in detail hereinbelow.Furthermore, either all or part of the processing carried out inaccordance with these computer programs 2221 through 2229 being executedby the processor can be realized using a different type of processingunit, such as a hardware circuit.

As described hereinabove, modules (1) and (2) are recognized as a singlestorage system by the host 100. Thus, when the administrator defines apath (I/O path) that links to the volume 250 of module (2), there is apossibility that the port 261 of module (1) will be specified. When aspecification like this is made, I/O processing must be realized asfollows. That is, module (1) receives the I/O request from the host 100,and requests that module (2) carry out I/O processing. Module (2)receives this request, and executes the I/O for the volume 250 in module(2). An I/O like this will hereinafter be called an “I/O spanning themodules 200”. A method of processing an I/O spanning the modules 200will be explained next.

First, the control information for realizing an I/O spanning the modules200 will be explained.

FIG. 3 shows a path information table 2211 in detail.

The path information table 2211 records a port number, volume number andmodule number for each path.

One path (hereinafter, referred to as the “target path” in thisparagraph) will be explained. The “port number” is the identificationnumber of the port 261, which is one configuration element of the targetpath. The “volume number” is the identification number of the logicalvolume (for example, volume 250 or the below-described virtual volume)linked to the target path. In the first embodiment, the path informationis configured by the port number and the volume number. The “modulenumber” is the identification number of the module 200 that has thelogical volume linked to the target path. According to the example ofFIG. 3, volume 0, volume 1 and volume 2 are in module (1), and volume 3is in module (2).

FIG. 4 will be used to explain an example of a write process as an I/Ospanning the modules 200.

The write process is realized by the write program 2222 being executedin both module (1) and module (2). In the explanation of FIG. 4, thewrite program 2222 executed by the processor 211 of module (1) will bereferred to as “write program (1)”, and the write program 2222 executedby the processor 211 of module (2) will be referred to as “write program(2)”. Furthermore, hereinafter when distinguishing between the sametypes of elements in modules (1) and (2), the symbols (1) and (2) may beused in place of the reference numerals the same as for the writeprogram 2222.

The host 100 uses the path of the module (1) port 261 to issue a writerequest (S100), and waits for a write-end report from the storage system(S101).

When the host 100 uses the above-mentioned path to issue the writerequest, module (1) receives the write request (S102). Write program (1)references the path information table (1), and checks the location ofthe write-destination volume 250 of the write-data (write-targeted data)(S103). Write program (1) determines whether the module 200 having thewrite-destination volume 250 is module (1) or module (2) (S104). Whenthe module 200 is determined to be module (1) in S104 (S104: NO), writeprogram (1) writes the write-data to the write-destination volume 250(S105), and reports write-end to the host 100 (S106). Conversely, whenthe module 200 is determined to be module (2) in S104 (S104: YES), writeprogram (1) stores the write-data in the cache unit (1). Then, writeprogram (1) requests that module (2) carry out write processing (S108),and waits for a response from module (2) (S109). Write program (1)notifies module (2) of the cache address of the write-data at this time.The cache address is the address of the storage area in which thewrite-data is stored, and is the address of the storage area in thecache unit 223 (hereinafter, cache area).

Write program (2) receives the write processing request from module (1)(S110), transfers the write-data from the cache area specified by thecache address received together with this request to module (2) (readsout the write-data from the cache area) (S111), and writes thiswrite-data to the write-destination volume 250 (S112). Subsequent to thewrite ending, write program (2) reports write-end to module (1) (S113).

Write program (1), upon receiving the write-end report from writeprogram (2), reports write-end to the host 100 (S116).

The host 100, upon receiving the write-end report from module (1)(S117), ends processing (S118).

An example of a write has been explained as an I/O that spans themodules 200, but in the case of a read, for example, the followingprocessing is carried out. That is, Step S107 is omitted, and in StepS108, read program (1) issues a read request to module (2). Read program(2) receives this read request, reads out the read-data (read-targeteddata) from the read-destination volume 250 and stores the read-data tothe cache unit (2), and notifies module (1) of the cache address of theread-data (the address of the cache area in the cache unit (2)). Readprogram (1) transfers the read-data from module (2) to module (1) thesame as in Step S111 (that is, read program (2) reads out the read-datafrom the cache area specified by the notified cache address). Finally,read program (1) transfers the read-data to the host 100 together with aread-end report.

As described hereinabove, it is possible to realize a write or read thatspans the modules 200. However, since inter-module communications arecarried out for an I/O spanning the modules 200, I/O performance isdegraded. Furthermore, when a first path having FE port (1) and a secondpath having FE port (2) are established between the volume 250 in module(1) and the host 100, I/O performance will differ in accordance withwhether the first path or second path is used (that is, in accordancewith whether FE port (1) or (2) receives the I/O request).

In the first embodiment, both modules (1) and (2) comprise virtualvolume technology (the dynamic capacity allocation function), and ascheme for avoiding a degrading in I/O performance is provided. Thisscheme will be explained hereinbelow, but prior thereto, FIGS. 5 through8 will be used to explain the virtual volume.

FIG. 5 shows an overview of virtual volume technology.

Modules (1) and (2) comprise a virtual volume 302 and a pool 300.

The virtual volume 302 differs from a logical volume configured fromreal areas like volume 250, and is a virtual logical volume that doesnot have a real area. The virtual volume 302 is configured from aplurality of virtual storage areas (virtual areas).

The pool 300, for example, is a storage space configured by the volume250, and is configured from a plurality of pages 301. As used here, a“page” is a configuration element of the volume 250, and is a realstorage area (real area) based on the HDD 240. When a page 301 isallocated to a virtual area, the write-data 304, which uses this virtualarea as the write destination, is written to the allocated page 301. Thestorage capacity of one virtual area can be the storage capacity of aprescribed number (for example, one) of pages 301, or the storagecapacity of one page 301 can be the storage capacity of a prescribednumber (for example, one) of virtual areas.

Furthermore, there does not have to be a pool 300 for each virtualvolume 302. For example, a page 301 can be allocated from one pool 300to a plurality of virtual volumes 302, or a page 301 can be allocated toone virtual volume 302 from a plurality of pools 300. A page 301 canalso be allocated to the virtual volume 302 from a pool 300 in the othermodule 200, which does not have this virtual volume 302.

FIG. 6 is an example of a pool table 2213.

The pool table 2213 is a table that exists for each pool 300. The pooltable 2213 records the pool number, pool size, and page table of thepool 300 corresponding to this table 2213. The “pool number” is theidentification number of the above-mentioned corresponding pool 300. The“pool size” is the storage capacity of the above-mentioned correspondingpool 300. The “page table” is information for managing the respectivepages 301 of the above-mentioned corresponding pool 300, and morespecifically, is the information shown in FIG. 7. That is, the pagetable 2214 records the page number, start address, end address, statusand allocation destination for each page 301 that configures theabove-mentioned corresponding pool 300. One page 301 (hereinafter,referred to as the “target page 301” in this paragraph) will beexplained. The “page number” is the identification number of the targetpage 301. The “start address” is the start address of the target page301 in the pool 300, and the “end address” is the end address of thetarget page 301 in the pool 300. The “status” is the status of thetarget page 301, and, for example, signifies whether or not the targetpage 301 has been allocated to a virtual volume. The “allocationdestination” is the volume number of the virtual volume 302 having theallocation-destination virtual area of the target page 301. When thevalue of the “status” is “unallocated”, for example, a meaningless value(for example, “−”) is used as the value of the “allocation destination”.Furthermore, in the first embodiment, to make the explanation simpler,one page 301 is a fixed size, but a variable size can also be used bymanaging the page size in the page table 2214.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a virtual volume table 2212.

The virtual volume table 2212 records a virtual volume number, address,page allocation status, allocation module, pool number, and page numberfor each virtual area. One virtual area (hereinafter, referred to as the“target virtual area” in the explanation of FIG. 8 (and FIG. 17)) willbe explained hereinbelow. The “virtual volume number” is theidentification number of the virtual volume having the target virtualarea. The value of the “virtual volume number” can also be recorded inthe path information table 2211 (refer to FIG. 3) as the “volumenumber”. The “address” is the address of the target virtual area in thevirtual volume, and, for example, is represented as the combination ofthe first address and last address of the target virtual area. The “pageallocation status” signifies whether or not a page 301 has beenallocated to the target virtual area. The “allocation module” is theidentification number of the module 200 having the page (hereinafter,will be referred to as the “target page” in the explanation of FIG. 8)301 that has been allocated to the target virtual area. The “poolnumber” is the identification number of the pool having the target page301. The “page number” is the identification number of the target page301.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an overview of one characteristicfeature of the first embodiment. In the following explanation, themodule that receives the I/O request will be sometimes referred to as“the own module” and the module that does not received the I/O requestwill be sometimes referred to as “the other module”.

In the first embodiment, for example, the below-described (Scheme 1) and(Scheme 2) are provided.

(Scheme 1) Both module (1) and module (2) comprise a virtual volume 302for which the same volume number has been allocated.

(Scheme 2) When the modules (1) and (2) receive a write request, if apage 301 has not been allocated to the write-destination virtual areaspecified by this write request, the modules (1) and (2) allocate a page301 in the pool 300 in the own module to the write-destination virtualarea.

Furthermore, in (Scheme 1), for example, the volume number, for example,can be a double number. That is, the volume number can be a first typevolume number, which is recognized by the host 100 and which is commonto both modules (1) and (2) (a global number), and a second type volumenumber, which is recognized by the individual modules 200 without beingrecognized by the host 100 (a local number).

A specific example will be explained hereinbelow.

Modules (1) and (2) comprise virtual volumes (1) and (2), which havebeen allocated the same volume number “1”. Since the volume number isthe same for virtual volumes (1) and (2), virtual volumes (1) and (2)are not recognized separately by the host 100, but rather are recognizedas a single logical volume in which virtual volumes (1) and (2) havebeen merged (hereinafter, will be referred to as “volume (T)” in theexplanation that refers to FIG. 9).

When module (1) receives a write request for which the first virtualarea is the write-targeted virtual area, a page 711 in pool (1) isallocated to the first virtual area 611 of virtual volume (1) asindicated by arrow 612, and the write-data is written to this page 711.Similarly, when module (2) receives a write request for which the secondvirtual area is the write-targeted virtual area, a page 723 in pool (2)is allocated to the second virtual area 623 of virtual volume (2) asindicated by arrow 622, and the write-data is written to this page 723.

In the above-mentioned case, the host 100 recognizes that the write-datahas been stored in the first storage area (addresses “0 through 99”) andthe second storage area (addresses “100 through 199”) on volume (T).Further, virtual volume tables (1) and (2) are as respectively shown inFIG. 9. That is, because a page 301 in pool (1) has not been allocatedto the second virtual area 613 (addresses “100 through 199”) in virtualvolume (1), but a page 301 in pool (2) has been allocated to the secondvirtual area 623 in virtual volume (2), virtual volume table (1) records“allocated” as the value of the “page allocation status”, and records“module (2)” as the value of the “allocation module”. Similarly, becausea page 301 in pool (2) has not been allocated to the first virtual area621 (addresses “0 through 99”) in virtual volume (2), but a page 301 inpool (1) has been allocated to the first virtual area 611 in virtualvolume (1), virtual volume table (2) records “allocated” as the value ofthe “page allocation status”, and records “module (1)” as the value ofthe “allocation module”.

Upon receiving a read request for reading out read-data from the secondvirtual area 623 as indicated by arrow 640, module (2) referencesvirtual volume table (2), and checks the “page allocation status” of thesecond virtual area 623. As a result of the check, module (2) recognizesthat the read-data is stored in a page 301 in module (2) (a page 301corresponding to pool number “1” and page number “1”). Thus, module (2)reads out the read-data from this page 301 in the own module, andtransfers the read-data to the host 100.

Further, writing data to the virtual area 623 to which a page 301 hasbeen allocated is realized the same as in the case of the read. That is,inter-module communications are not required.

Applying the above-described (Scheme 1) and (Scheme 2) makes it possibleto reduce the number of inter-module communications when repeatedlyexecuting a write or read from the port of the same module.

Conversely, upon receiving a read request for reading out read-data fromthe first virtual area 621 as indicated by arrow 630, module (2)references virtual volume table (2) and checks the “page allocationstatus” of the first virtual area 621. As a result of the check, module(2) recognizes that a page in module (1) is being used. Thus, module (2)requests that module (1) carry out read processing as indicated by arrow625. Module (1) receives this request, and reads out the read-data fromthe page 301 in module (1) (the page 301 corresponding to pool number“3” and page number “2”), which has been allocated to the first virtualarea 611 of virtual volume (1). The read-out read-data is transferredfrom module (1) to module (2), and this read-data is transferred frommodule (2) to the host 100.

Now then, (TM1) and (TM2) below are conceivable as creation triggers andcreation methods for the virtual volume 302.

(TM1) The user triggers the creation of the virtual volume 302, andvirtual volumes 302 are created in all of the modules 200.

(TM2) The user triggers the creation of the virtual volume 302, and thevirtual volume 302 is created only in the module 200 specified by theuser. Then, triggered by a path to this virtual volume being definedfrom the port 261 of the other module 200, this virtual volume 302 iscreated in the other module 200.

FIG. 10 will be used to explain an example of the processing related tothe above-described (TM1).

When the user indicates virtual volume creation from the maintenanceterminal 270, virtual volume creation is carried out by executing themaintenance program 273 of the maintenance terminal 270, and the virtualvolume creation programs 2229 of the respective modules 200. The userspecifies the volume number of the virtual volume 302 to be created tothe maintenance terminal 270.

The maintenance program 273 determines whether or not there is a module200 for which virtual volume creation has not been indicated (S1600).When virtual volume creation has been indicated for all the modules 200,Step S1607 is carried out (that is, processing ends). By contrast, whenthere is a module 200 for which virtual volume creation has not beenindicated, Steps S1601 through S1606 are executed.

The maintenance program 273 indicates virtual volume creation to themodule 200 (S1601), and waits for an end report from theindication-destination module 200 (S1602). Furthermore, the maintenanceprogram 273 notifies the module 200 of the volume number of the virtualvolume 302 to be created (for example, the number specified by the user)together with the virtual volume creation command.

The virtual volume creation program 2229 receives the virtual volumecreation command from the maintenance program 273 (S1603), and registersthe virtual volume information in the virtual volume table 2212 (S1604).More specifically, for example, as the virtual volume information, thevalue of the “virtual volume number” is the number notified from themaintenance program 273; the values of the “page allocation status” areall “not allocated”; and the values of the “allocation module” and “pagenumber” are values (for example, “−”) that signify not allocated.

The virtual volume creation program 2229, upon registering the virtualvolume information, sends an end-report to the maintenance program 273(S1605). The maintenance program 273 receives the end-report (S1606).

Next, the processing related to the above-described (TM2) will beexplained.

According to the above-described (TM2), virtual volume creation isindicated only for the module 200 specified by the user. That is,according to FIG. 10, Step S1600 becomes unnecessary. Then, thereafter,a path is defined to this virtual volume 302 from the port 261 of theother module 200, and this triggers the creation of this virtual volume302 in the other module 200. The processing related thereto will beexplained hereinbelow using FIG. 11.

When the user indicates a path definition from the maintenance terminal270, the maintenance program 273 of the maintenance terminal 270 and thepath definition programs 2223 of the respective modules 200 areexecuted. The user, for example, specifies the port number of the port261 to be used and the volume number of the target virtual volume 302 tothe maintenance terminal 270.

The maintenance program 273 indicates a path definition to the module200 having the specified port 261 (S200), and waits for an end-reportfrom the indication-destination module 200 (S201). The maintenanceprogram 273 notifies the module 200 of the port number of the port 261to be used and the volume number of the target virtual volume 302together with the path definition command.

The path definition program 2223, upon receiving the path definitioncommand from the maintenance program 273 (S202), checks whether or notthe virtual volume information of the target virtual volume(hereinafter, will be referred to as the “target virtual volume” in theexplanation of FIG. 11) 302 has been registered in the virtual volumetable 2212 (S203). As explained be referring to FIG. 10, the virtualvolume information of the target virtual volume is registered in thevirtual volume table 2212 in the user-specified module 200. If thevirtual volume information of the target virtual volume has beenregistered (S203: YES), Step S204 is skipped. If the virtual volumeinformation of the target virtual volume has not been registered (S203:NO), the path definition program 2223 registers this virtual volumeinformation in the virtual volume table 2212 (S204). The contents of thevirtual volume information registered at this point are substantiallythe same as the contents registered in Step S1604 of FIG. 10.

Next, the path definition program 2223 registers in the path informationtable 2211 the port number of the specified port 261; the specifiedvolume number; and the module number of the module, which this program2223 is executing (for convenience sake, will be referred to as “the ownmodule” in the explanation of FIG. 11) 200 (S205). Then, the pathdefinition program 2223 reports end to the maintenance program 273(S206).

The maintenance program 273 receives the end-report from the pathdefinition program 2223 (S207), and ends processing (S208).

Furthermore, when a virtual volume 302 is created at path definition,there is the possibility that I/O processing is already being carriedout with this virtual volume 302 by the other module 200. Thus, it ispossible that a page 301 has been allocated to this virtual volume 302by the other module 200. Therefore, at this time, the own module 200queries the other module 200 as to the page allocation status vis-à-visthe virtual volume 302, and the own module 200 can register the queryresults in the virtual volume table 2212 of the own module 200. The ownmodule 200 can query the other module 200 as to the page allocationstatus for the virtual area targeted for I/O in accordance with an I/Orequest at the point in time when the I/O request is received via thenewly defined path.

Virtual volumes 302 can be created in the respective modules 200 asdescribed hereinabove.

An example of I/O processing to a virtual volume 302 will be explainedhereinbelow using FIGS. 12 through 15. Incidentally, FIG. 12 shows anexample of I/O processing when a page 301 in the module (the own module)200 that received the I/O request is allocated to the I/O-targetedvirtual area. FIG. 13 shows an example of read processing when a page301 in the own module 200 is not allocated to the read-targeted virtualarea. FIG. 14 shows an example of write processing when a page 301 inthe own module 200 is not allocated to the write-targeted virtual area.FIG. 15 shows an example of processing for allocating a page 301 to thevirtual volume 302.

I/O processing when the virtual area, to which a page from inside theown module 200 has been allocated, is the I/O-targeted virtual area willbe explained using FIG. 12. This I/O processing is realized by eitherthe read program 2221 or the write program 2222 being executed. I/Oprocessing will be explained hereinbelow using a write process as anexample.

The host 100 issues a write request to the module 200 (S500), the waitsfor a write-end report from the module 200 (S501).

The write program 2222, upon receiving the write request (S502), checksthe virtual volume table 3312 in the own module 200 (S504), anddetermines whether or not a page 301 from inside the own module 200 hasbeen allocated to the write-targeted virtual area (S504). The example ofFIG. 12 is write processing when a page 301 from inside the own module200 has been allocated to the write-targeted virtual area. Thus, it issupposed that the determination of Step S504 will be “Yes”. Theprocessing when the determination of Step S504 is “No” will be explainedusing FIGS. 13 and 14.

Next, the write program 2222 references the page table 2214 and decidesthe address of the pool 300 into which the write-data will be written(that is, the write program 2222 specifies the page 301 allocated to thewrite-targeted virtual area) (S505). The write program 2222 writes thewrite-data to the decided address (page 301) (S506), and reports end tothe host 100 (S507).

The host 100, upon receiving the end-report from the write program 2222(S508), ends the processing (S509).

In the above explanation, a write process was used as the example, butin the case of a read process, for example, the following occurs. Thatis, in Step S502, a read request is received, and in Step S506, theread-data is read out from the allocation page 301, and this read-datais transferred to the host 100.

Next, read processing in a case in which a page 301 from inside the ownmodule (the module that received the read request) 200 has not beenallocated to the read-targeted virtual area in accordance with the readrequest will be explained using FIG. 13. In this case, it is possiblethat a page 301 in the other module 200 has been allocated to theread-targeted virtual area in the virtual volume 302 in this othermodule 200. The read processing of this case will be explained below bytreating the own module 200 as module (1) and the other module 200 asmodule (2). Furthermore, the read processing is realized by executingthe read programs 2221 in both module (1) and module (2).

When the determination of Step S504 is “No”, read program (1) referencesvirtual volume table (1) to determine whether or not the allocationmodule that corresponds to the read-targeted virtual area isunidentified (S301). If the value of the “page allocation status” forthe read-targeted virtual volume is “allocated” and the value of the“allocation module” for the read-targeted virtual volume is the modulenumber of the other module, the allocation module is identified.Conversely, if the value of the “page allocation status” for theread-targeted virtual volume is “not allocated” and the value of the“allocation module” for the read-targeted virtual volume is the value“−” signifying that there has been no allocation, the allocation moduleis unidentified.

When the allocation module is identified (S302: No), read program (1)requests that module (2), which is the allocation module, read theread-targeted virtual area (for example, notifies module (2) of theaddress of the read-targeted virtual area) (S302). Read program (2),which receives the data transfer request, specifies the page 301allocated to the read-targeted virtual area by referencing virtualvolume table (2), and stores the read-data from the specified page 301in the read-out cache unit 223 (S303). Read program (2) issues a datatransfer indication to module (1) (S304). Read program (2) notifiesmodule (1) of the read-data cache address at this time. Read program(1), upon receiving the data transfer indication, transfers the datafrom module (2) (reads out the read-data from the cache area specifiedby the notified cache address) (S305). Next, read program (1) transfersthe read-data to the host 100 (S306).

Conversely, when the allocation module is unidentified (S301: Yes), readprogram (1) determines whether or not there is a module 200 which hasnot been queried regarding page allocation status (S307). When anunqueried module 200 exists, read program (1) queries the relevantmodule 200 about the allocation status of page 301 (S308).

Read program (2) of module (2), which receives the page 301 allocationstatus query, references virtual volume table (2), checks the pageallocation status (S309), and determines whether or not a page 301 frominside module (2) has been allocated to the read-targeted virtual area(S310). When a page 301 has not been allocated (S310: No), read program(2) notifies module (1) that there has been no allocation (S311).Conversely, when a page 301 has been allocated (S310: Yes), read program(2) stores the read-data in the cache unit 223 (S312), and issues anindication to module (1) to transfer the read-data (S313).

Read program (1), upon receiving a response from module (2), determineswhether or not page allocation has been completed for module (2) (S314).When a page 301 in module (2) has not been allocated to theread-targeted virtual area (S314: No), read program (1) executes StepS307 for a different module 200. Conversely, when a page 301 in module(2) has been allocated to the read-targeted virtual area (S314: No),read program (1) transfers the read-data from module (2) to module (1)(S315), and updates the virtual volume table 2212 of module (1) (S316).More specifically, read program (1) changes the value of the “pageallocation status” for the read-targeted virtual area to “allocated”,and registers “module (2)” as the value of the “allocation module”.

Next, read program (1) transfers the read-data transferred from module(2) to the host 100 (S317), and ends processing.

When the page-allocated module 200 remains unidentified and there are nounqueried modules 200 (S307: No), that is, when the read-targetedvirtual area is a virtual area for which a page 301 has not beenallocated from inside any module 200, the following processing iscarried out.

In this case, read program (1) transfers, to the host 100, datasignifying that data does not exist in the read-targeted virtual area,for example, data configured from a “0” (S318), and ends processing.Furthermore, in Step S318, an error can be transferred instead of the“0” data.

Next, FIGS. 14 and 15 will be used to explain a write process in a casein which a page 301 from inside the own module (the module that receiveda write request) 200 has not been allocated to the virtual area targetedfor a write in accordance with the write request. Hereinafter, theexplanation will treat the own module 200 as module (1), and will treatthe other module 200 as module (2).

Write processing is realized by the write program 2222 and the pageallocation program 2225 being executed by module (1) and module (2).

When the determination of Step S504 is “No”, write program (1)references virtual volume table (1) and determines whether or not theallocation module for the write-targeted virtual area is unidentified(S1001). Furthermore, the definition of unidentified is the same as thatof the read process explained by referring to FIG. 13.

When the allocation module is identified (S1001: Yes), the write-data istransferred to and stored in the other module (2) (S1002). That is, inStep S1002, Steps S107 through S115 of FIG. 4 are carried out.

When the allocation module is unidentified (S1001: No), write program(1) determines whether or not there is a module 200 that has not beenqueried regarding the page allocation status of the write-targetedvirtual area (S1003). When an unqueried module 200 exists, write program(1) queries the unqueried other module 200 regarding page allocationstatus (S1004).

Write program (2) of module (2), which receives the page allocationstatus query, checks the page allocation status by referencing virtualvolume table (2) (S1005), and determines whether or not a page 301 frominside module (2) has been allocated to the write-targeted virtual area(S1006). When a page 301 has not been allocated (S1006: No), writeprogram (2) notifies module (1) that there has been no allocation(S1007). Conversely, when a page 301 has been allocated (S1006: Yes),write program (2) notifies module (1) that allocation is complete(S1008).

Write program (1), upon receiving a response from module (2), determineswhether or not page allocation has been completed in module (2) (S1009).When a page has not been allocated in module (2) (S1009: No), writeprogram (1) executes Step S1003 for the other module 200. Conversely,when page allocation has been completed in module (2) (S1009: Yes),write program (1) updates virtual volume table (1) (S1010). Thereafter,the write-data is transferred to and stored in the other module (2)(S1011). That is, Steps S104 through S115 of FIG. 4 are executed.Furthermore, unlike Step S1002, the reason for also executing Steps S104through S106 is because a new page 301 could be allocated in Step S1012.More specifically, this is because, when a page 301 from inside module(1) is allocated in Step S1012, write program (1) has to write thewrite-data to the page 301 from inside the own module (1). Further, theupdate of the virtual volume table 2212 in Step S1010 is the same as forthe read process, and the value of the “page allocation status” of thevirtual volume table 2212 is updated to “allocated” and “module (2)” isregistered as the value of the “allocation module” for thewrite-targeted virtual area.

When the page-allocated module 200 remains unidentified and there are nounqueried modules 200 (S1003: No), write program (1) runs pageallocation program (1) and executes a page allocation process (S1012).Next, write program (1) determines whether or not page allocation hasbeen completed (S1013). When the determination result is that a page 301has been newly allocated (S1013: Yes), write program (1) stores thewrite-data in the allocated page 301 (S1011). Conversely, when a page301 has not been allocated due to a shortage of free capacity in thepool 300 in module (1) (a shortage of unallocated pages 301) or the like(S1013: No), write program (1) notifies the host 100 of an abnormal end(S1014), and ends processing.

Step S1012 (the page allocation process) will be explained in detailusing FIG. 15.

Page allocation program (1) searches for an unallocated page byreferencing pool table (1) and page table (1) (S400). Then, pageallocation program (1) determines whether or not an unallocated pageexists in the pool 300 in module (1) (S401).

When an unallocated page exists in module (1) (S401: Yes), pageallocation program (1) updates page table (1) and virtual volume table(1) (S402 and S403), and ends processing (S404). More specifically, pageallocation program (1) changes the value of “status” in page table (1)to “allocated”, and changes the value of “allocation destination” to thevirtual volume number of the target virtual volume for the page 301 tobe allocated. Further, for the write-targeted virtual area, pageallocation program (1) changes the value of “page allocation status” ofthe virtual volume table 2212 to “allocated”, registers “module (1)” asthe “allocation module”, registers the pool number of the pool 300 towhich the allocated page 301 belongs as the value of “pool number”, andregisters the page number of the allocated page 301 as the value of“page number”.

Conversely, when there are no unallocated pages in module (1) (S401:No), page allocation program (1) determines whether or not there is amodule 200 which has not been queried about unallocated pages (S405).When an unqueried module 200 exists, page allocation program (1) queriesthe relevant module 200 as to the presence of an unallocated page(S407).

Page allocation program (2) of the other module (2), which receives thequery, receives the query regarding the presence of an unallocated page(S408), references pool table (2) and page table (2), searches for anunallocated page, and determines whether or not an unallocated pageexists in the pool 300 in module (2) (S409).

When an unallocated page exists (S409: Yes), page allocation program (2)updates page table (2) (More specifically, page allocation program (2)changes the value of “status” in page table (2) to “allocated” for thepage to be allocated.) (S410).

Next, page allocation program (2) determines whether or not a pageallocation-destination virtual volume 302 has been created in module (2)(S411). When virtual volume information related to a pageallocation-destination virtual volume 302 exists in virtual volume table(2), the result of this determination is that the pageallocation-destination virtual volume 302 has been created, and whenthis information does not exist, the determination result is that thisvirtual volume 302 has not been created. In a case (the case of theabove-described (TM1)) in which the user creates a volume 302, and thistriggers the creation of virtual volumes 302 in all the modules 200, avirtual volume 302 is created in module (2). Furthermore, in a case (thecase of the above-described (TM2)) in which a path definition triggersthe creation of a virtual volume 302, a virtual volume 302 has beencreated if a path to the relevant virtual volume 302 in module (2) hasbeen defined.

When a virtual volume 302 has been created (S411: Yes), page allocationprogram (2) updates virtual volume table (2) (S412). More specifically,the value of “page allocation status” in virtual volume table (2) isupdated to “allocated”, “module (2)” is registered as the value of“allocation module”, the pool number of the pool 300 to which the page301 allocated to the write-targeted virtual area belongs is registeredas the value of “pool number”, and the page number of this page 301 isregistered as the value of “page number” for the write-targeted virtualarea. Conversely, when a virtual volume 302 has not been created (S411:No), Step S412 is skipped. Page allocation program (2) reports theexistence of an unallocated page to module (1) (S413).

By updating virtual volume table (2) beforehand as describedhereinabove, it is possible to determine the page allocation status ofthe virtual area without communicating with module (1) when module (2)receives from the host 100 an I/O request that specifies the allocationdestination of this page 301 as the I/O target.

Now then, when there are no unallocated pages in Step S409 (S409: No),page allocation program (2) reports to module (1) that an unallocatedpage does not exist (S414).

Page allocation program (1) of module (1), which receives the reportfrom module (2), determines whether or not an unallocated page exists inmodule (2) (S415).

When an unallocated page exists in module (2) (S415: Yes), pageallocation program (1) changes virtual volume table (1) (S416), and endsprocessing (S417). More specifically, the value of “page allocationstatus” is changed to “allocated” in virtual volume table (1), and“module (2)” is registered as the value of “allocation module” for thewrite-targeted area. By contrast, when there are no unallocated pages inmodule (2) (S415: No), page allocation program (1) executes Step S405for a different module 200.

When the module 200 having an unallocated page remains unidentified andthere are no unqueried modules 200 (S405: No), page allocation program(1) reports to write program (1), which called page allocation program(1), that allocation is not possible (S406).

As described hereinabove, it is possible to realize write or readprocessing for a virtual area to which a page 301 from inside the ownmodule 200 has not been allocated.

According to the above explanation, module (2) comprises virtual volume(2) to which is allocated the same volume number as the volume numberallocated to virtual volume (1) of module (1). Module (2), uponreceiving from the host 100 a write request that has an unallocated-pagevirtual area as the write-targeted virtual area, allocates a page frominside module (2) to the write-targeted virtual area, and writes thewrite-data to this page. Further, when module (2) receives from the host100 a read request that has this virtual area as the read-targetedvirtual area, module (2) reads out the read-data from the page in module(2), and transfers this data to the host 100. Therefore, in a case likethis, inter-module communications do not occur.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will be explainedhereinbelow. In so doing, the points of difference with the firstembodiment will mainly be explained, and explanations of the points incommon with the first embodiment will be either simplified or omitted.

In the first embodiment, for example, inter-module communications occurwhen a page 301 from inside the other module (1) is allocated to aread-targeted virtual area in accordance with a read request received bythe own module (2).

Accordingly, the second embodiment makes it possible to reduce cases inwhich inter-module communications occur by replicating among the modulesthe data that is stored in a page 301. More specifically, for example,data, which is stored in a page 301 in module (1) but which is notstored in a page 301 in module (2), is replicated from the page inmodule (1) to a page in module (2). In this case, the page in module (1)is the replication-source page, and the page in module (2) is thereplication-destination page.

Even more specifically, as shown in FIG. 16 for example, data, which isstored in the page 711 allocated to the first virtual area 611 ofvirtual volume (1), does not exist in module (2). In this secondembodiment, this data stored in page 711 is replicated to an unallocatedpage 721 in module (2) as indicated by arrow 720. The page 721 isallocated to the first virtual area 621 of virtual volume (2).Consequently, module (2), upon receiving a read request in which thefirst virtual area 621 is the read-targeted area as indicated by arrow630, can read out the read-data from the page 721 in module (2) andtransfer this data to the host 100. That is, inter-module communicationsdo not occur. Hereinafter, inter-module replication of data stored in apage will be referred to as “page replication”. Further, data that hasbeen replicated will be referred to as “replicated data”, and a page inwhich replicated data is stored will be referred to as a “replicatedpage”.

FIG. 17 explains an example of a virtual volume table of the secondembodiment.

According to the virtual volume table 22121, replicated bit, replicationmodule and read frequency are also registered for each virtual area inaddition to the virtual volume number, address, page allocation status,allocation module, pool number and page number. The “replicated bit”shows whether or not data stored in a page (the page specified by thevalues of the “pool number” and “page number” corresponding to thetarget virtual area) 301 allocated to the target virtual area has beenreplicated in the other module 200. The “replication module” is themodule number of the module 200 having a replica of the data stored inthis page 301. The “read frequency” shows the frequency of read requests(the number times read requests are received per unit of time) from thehost 100 to this page 301.

If it is supposed that the table shown in FIG. 17 is the virtual volumetable in module (1), the following is clear from the table shown in FIG.17. For example, it is clear that initially a page from in module (2)has been allocated to the virtual area corresponding to the address “0through 99”, and that thereafter page replication has been carried outfrom module (2) to module (1). It is also clear that the read frequencycorresponding to the virtual area corresponding to the address “0through 99” is 1000 time per second. Furthermore, the value of the “readfrequency” in the table shown in FIG. 17, for example, is updated byread program (1). Read program (1) can count the number of times a readrequest is received per unit of time for each first virtual area, andcan update the value of the “read frequency” corresponding to therespective first virtual areas in a timely fashion.

The advantages of adding the read frequency will be explained. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 16, it is supposed that page 711 in module (1)is allocated to first virtual area 611 in virtual volume (1), and thatpage 721 in module (2), in which a replica of the data stored in page711 is stored, is allocated to first virtual area 621 in virtual volume(2). If the data stored in page 721 is not updated here despite the factthat the data stored in page 711 has been updated, the data stored inpage 721 will constitute old content data. Thus, when module (2)receives a read request that has the first virtual area as theread-targeted virtual area, old data will be transferred to the host100. To prevent this, the correspondent data in first virtual areas 611and 621 must be constantly synchronized. However, doing so requires thatboth virtual areas 611 and 621 be updated when updating the data of avirtual area, resulting in the occurrence of inter-modulecommunications. Accordingly, if the read frequency is registered foreach virtual area as shown in FIG. 17, for example, page replication canbe carried out only for the page allocated to the virtual area for whichread frequency is high.

Furthermore, a high read frequency is a read frequency that is higherthan a reference value. Here, the “reference value” can be apredetermined value, or a value based on the write frequency. The writefrequency for the respective virtual areas is the number of times perunit of time that write requests targeted at the relevant virtual areaare received. For example, when the read frequency is higher than thewrite frequency for one virtual area, or when the read frequency ishigher than a value achieved by multiplying a prescribed coefficient bythe write frequency, it can be treated as a “high read frequency”. Thewrite frequency, for example, can be registered in the virtual volumetable 22121 the same as the read frequency.

The trigger and conditions for executing page replication, the triggerand conditions for deleting a replicated page, and a write process willbe explained hereinbelow. A write processing method that exercisescontrol such that old data is not referenced will be described indetail.

Firstly, as the trigger for executing page replication, (a) a pathdefinition trigger, and (b) an I/O processing trigger are conceivable.For the I/O processing trigger, the following cases (b1) and (b2) areconsidered.

(b1) is a case in which page replication is carried out from the othermodule 200 to the own module 200 when an I/O is generated to a page 301in the other module 200.

(b2) is a case in which page replication is carried out from the ownmodule 200 to the other module 200 when an I/O is generated to a page301 in the own module 200. Further, a case in which page replication isexecuted by a maintenance operation trigger, and a case in which thestorage system regularly carries out page replication are alsoconceivable.

FIG. 18 will be used to explain an example of a page replication processfor replicating data stored in a page 301 allocated by module (2) atpath definition time to module (1), which is implementing the pathdefinition.

This process is realized as follows. For example, the path definitionprogram 2223 is executed in module (1). The replica creation program2226 is executed in module (2). Further, the control information updateprogram 2228 is executed in all the modules having a replicated pagethat corresponds to the replication-source page on FIG. 18.

For example, immediately subsequent to Step S205 shown in FIG. 11, thepath definition program 2223 determines whether or not there is a module200 that has not been queried as to whether or not the module 200 has apage 301 capable of being the replication-source (S600). When all themodules 200 have been queried (S600: No), the path definition program2223 ends processing (S615).

When there is a module 200 that has not been queried (S600: Yes), thepath definition program 2223 queries this module 200 (module (2)) as tothe presence or absence of a page 301 allocated to the pathdefinition-targeted volume, and, in addition, as to the presence orabsence of a page (high-read-frequency page) 301 allocated to a virtualarea having a high read frequency (S601). Furthermore, the pathdefinition program 2223 notifies module (2) of the volume number of thepath definition-targeted virtual volume 302 together with this query.

The replica creation program 2226 receives the query, and searches for ahigh-read-frequency page by checking virtual volume table (2) (S602).Next, the replica creation program 2226 decides the replication-sourcepage 301 (for example, decides that the page retrieved in Step S602 isthe replication-source page 301), and stores the data stored in thisreplication-source page 301 in cache unit (2) (S603). Then, the replicacreation program 2226 notifies module (1) of the cache address of thisdata, the value of the “allocation module” corresponding to the virtualarea to which the replication-source page 301 has been allocated, the“address” value, the “replication module” value, and the “readfrequency” value (S604), and ends processing (S605). Furthermore, whenthere is no replication-source page 301, the replica creation program2226, for example, notifies module (1) that a replication-source page301 did not exist in Step S604.

The path definition program 2223 of module (1), which receives themodule (2) report, makes a determination as to whether or not anunallocated page 301 exists in module (1) (S606). When there are nounallocated pages 301 in module (1) (S606: No), the path definitionprogram 2223 ends processing (S615).

When an unallocated page 301 exists in module (1) (S606: Yes), the pathdefinition program 2223 makes a determination as to whether or not allthe data transfers (that is, page replications) from thereplication-source pages 301 in module (2) have been completed (S607).Then, when the data stored in all the replication-source pages 301 hasbeen transferred to module (1) (S607: Yes), the path definition program2223 carries out Step S600 for a different module 200.

Conversely, when data has not been transferred to module (1) from aportion of the pages 301 of the replication-source pages 301 in module(2) (S607: No), the path definition program 2223 transfers (reads outthe data) data from one page 301 of the replication-source pages 301 inmodule (2) to module (1) (S608). Next, the path definition program 2223allocates an unallocated page (replication-destination page) 301 to thetarget virtual area (virtual area corresponding to the value of the“address” that was notified from module (2)) by updating page table (1)and virtual volume table (1) (S609 and S610). More specifically, thepath definition program 2223 changes the “status” of thereplication-destination page in page table (1) to “allocated”, andchanges the “allocation destination” value to the virtual volume numberof the target virtual volume. Furthermore, the path definition program2223 changes the “page allocation status” of the target virtual area invirtual volume table (1) to “allocated”, changes the “allocation module”value to “module (2)”, sets the “pool number” value as the pool numberof the pool to which the above-mentioned selected page 301 belongs, sets“replicated bit” to “ON”, sets the “replication module” value as “module(1)”, and changes the “read frequency” value to the value of the readfrequency notified from module (2).

Next, the path definition program 2223 stores a replica of the datastored in the replication-source page 301 (replicated data), which hasbeen transferred from module (2), in the allocatedreplication-destination page 301 (S611). Then, the path definitionprogram 2223 notifies all the modules (except module (1)) that have areplication page corresponding to the replication-source page of FIG. 18of the fact (for example, the numbers of the target virtual area addressand module (1)) that module (1) has been added as the “replicationmodule” for the allocation-destination virtual area of thereplication-destination page 301 (S612).

The path definition program 2223 also carries out page replication forother replication-source pages 301 by repeatedly executing Steps S607through S612.

The control information update program 2228 in the module 200 thatreceives the notification of Step S612 updates the virtual volume table22121 in this module 200 (S613), and ends processing (S614). Morespecifically, the control information update program 2228 adds “module(1)” as the value of the “replication module” for the virtual areaspecified by the notified address. Therefore, for example, when thereare three or more modules 200, a plurality of values (module numbers)may be registered as the “replication module” value corresponding to onevirtual area.

As described hereinabove, it is possible for the definition of a path inmodule (1) to trigger the creation in module (1) of a replica of thedata stored in a page 301 already allocated by module (2) to the pathdefinition-targeted virtual volume 302. Furthermore, the fact thatmodule (1) has been added anew as the “replication module” is notifiedto all the modules 200 that already have replicated data for the targetvirtual area. Consequently, the respective modules 200 possessingreplicated data can recognize where replicated data has been created.This information, for example, is used in processing for synchronizingthe pages 301 of the respective modules 200 at the time of a writeprocess (this processing will be explained below using FIGS. 24 and 25).

Next, an example of processing for carrying out page replication fromthe other module to the own module when an I/O is generated in a page301 of the other module will be explained using FIGS. 19 and 20. Thisprocessing replicates data written to a page allocated to the I/Otargeted virtual area in the own module from the relevant page in theother module when a module-spanning I/O is carried out.

FIG. 19 is an example of a page replication process at the time of awrite process, and FIG. 20 is an example of a page replication processat the time of a read process.

The processing shown in FIG. 19, for example, is realized as follows.The write program 2222 is executed in module (1). The replica creationprogram 2226 is executed in module (2). The control information updateprogram 2228 is executed in all the modules having a replicated pagecorresponding to the replication-source page of FIG. 19.

For example, in S1011 of FIG. 14, subsequent to module (1) storing writedata in the page 301 in module (2), the write program 2222 of module (1)determines whether or not there is an unallocated page 301 in module (1)(S700). When an unallocated page 301 does not exist in module (1), theprocessing is ended since there is no page 301 for storing thereplicated data (S715).

When an unallocated page 301 exists in module (1), the write program2222 requests that module (2) replicate the data that is in the pageallocated to the write-targeted virtual area (S701).

The replica creation program 2226 of module (2), which receives thereplication request, references virtual volume table (2), checks theread frequency of the write-targeted virtual area (S702), and determineswhether or not the read frequency is high (S703). When the readfrequency is low, the replica creation program 2226 notifies module (1)that the read frequency is low (S704), and ends processing. Then, thewrite program 2222 of module (1) receives the notification that the readfrequency is low (S707: No), and ends processing (S715).

Conversely, when the read frequency of the write-targeted virtual areais high (hereinafter, will be referred to as the “high-read-frequencyvirtual area” in FIG. 19) (S703: Yes), the replica creation program 2226stores the data in the page allocated to the high-read-frequency virtualarea to cache unit (2) (S705). Then, the replica creation program 2226notifies module (1) of the cache address of this data, the value of the“allocation module” for the virtual area to which the replication-sourcepage 301 is allocated, the “address” value, the “replication module”value, and the “read frequency” value (S706), and ends processing.

The write program 2222 of module (1), which receives the report frommodule (2), transfers the data stored in the replication-source pageallocated to the high-read-frequency virtual area from module (2) tomodule (1) (S708). Then, the write program 2222 allocates an unallocatedpage 301 in module (1), and stores the transferred data in thisallocated page 301 (S709 through S711). Next, the write program 2222notifies all the modules (except module (1)) that have replicated pagescorresponding to the replication-source page of FIG. 19 of the fact (forexample, the number of the address of the target virtual area and module(1)) that module (1) has been added as the “replication module” for theallocation-destination virtual area of the replication-destination page301 (S712), and ends processing (S715). The respective modules 200,which receive this notification, update the virtual volume table 22121in the own module (S713), and end processing (S714). The processingcontents of Steps S708 through S714 are the same as those of Steps S608through S614 of FIG. 18.

Furthermore, in the page replication processing at the time of a writeprocess shown in FIG. 19, module (2) decides whether or not to make thepage 301 allocated to the target virtual area the replication sourcebased on the value of the target virtual area read frequency stored invirtual volume table (2). However, module (1), which requests thereplication of page 301, can decide whether or not to make the page 301allocated to the target virtual area the replication source in module(2) based on the value of the target virtual area read frequency storedin virtual volume table (1). Furthermore, module (1) can also decidewhether or not to make the page 301 allocated to the target virtual areathe replication source in module (2) based on the values of the readfrequencies of both module (1) and module (2) for the target virtualarea.

Page replication processing at the time of a read process that spans themodules 200 will be explained. This page replication process can berealized using the same processing steps as those of page replicationprocessing at the time of a write process. For example, this processingcan be realized by adding the processing for creating a replica shown inFIG. 19 (Steps S700 through S715) between Steps S316 and S317 of theread process that spans the modules 200 shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 will be used to explain a different page replication process atthe time of a read process. Because the read process differs from thewrite process and the data is transferred to the host 100, the read datahas to be transferred from the other module (2) to the own module (1). Apage replication process at the time of a read process can be improvedby using this transfer. More specifically, for example, when the readdata is stored in a high-read-frequency page 301, the read data is notonly transferred from the other module (2) to the own module (1), butalso, the own module (1) stores the read data from module (2) in a freepage 301 in module (1). Consequently, it is possible to reduce thenumber of inter-module communications required in the page replicationprocess.

The processing shown in FIG. 20, for example, is realized as follows.The read program 2221 is executed in modules (1) and (2). The controlinformation update program 2228 is executed in module (2).

This processing can also be realized by changing the read process thatspans the modules 200 shown in FIG. 13. Furthermore, in a case in whichthe result of Step S504 is “Yes”, replication is not required since pageallocation has been completed by module (1). Accordingly, theexplanation will be omitted (The explanation was completed using FIG.13). In a case in which the result of Step S301 is “Yes”, it is possibleto apply the page replication process, which will be explainedhereinbelow, but since this processing is the same as when the result ofStep S301 is “No”, this explanation will be omitted.

Read program (1) recognizes that module (2) has read data by executingSteps S504 and S301. Next, read program (1) issues a read request tomodule (2) (S302).

Read program (2) of module (2), which receives the read request frommodule (1), checks the read frequency of the allocation-destinationvirtual area of the page 301 that will store the read data, anddetermines whether or not the read frequency is high (S716). When theread frequency is low, module (2) executes the processing that wasexplained using FIG. 13 (S303 and S304).

Conversely, when the read frequency is high, read program (2) reads outall the data in the page that is allocated to the virtual area with thehigh read frequency, and stores this data in cache unit (2) (S717).

Then, read program (2) issues a page replication indication to module(1) (S718), and ends processing. At this time, the cache address of thetransferred data in the replication-source page 301, the value of the“allocation module” that corresponds to the allocation-destinationvirtual area of the replication-source page 301, the “address” value,the “replication module” value, and the “read frequency” value arenotified to module (1) by read program (2).

Read program (1) of module (1), which receives the above-mentionednotification from module (2), transfers the data that is in the cachearea denoted by the notified cache address to module (1) from module (2)(S719). Next, read program (1) determines whether or not thenotification from module (2) is a page replication indication (S720).When this notification is not a page replication indication (S720: No),read program (1) transfers the read data transferred from module (2) tothe host 100, and ends processing (S724).

Conversely, when the notification is a page replication indication(S720: Yes), read program (1) makes a determination as to whether or notthere is an unallocated page 301 in module (1) (S721). When there is nounallocated page 301 in module (1) (S721: No), Step S724 is carried out.When an unallocated page 301 exists in module (1) (S721: Yes), readprogram (1) allocates the unallocated page 301 in module (1), and storesthe transferred data in this allocated page 301 (S722). Next, readprogram (1) notifies all the modules (except module (1)) havingreplicated pages corresponding to the replication-source page of FIG. 20that module (1) has been added to “replication module”. The respectivemodules 200 that receive this notification update the virtual volumetable 22121 in the own module 200 (add “module (1)” as the value of“replication module”), and end processing (S723). The processing of StepS722 is the same as Steps S708 through S711 of FIG. 19. Furthermore, theprocessing of Step S723 is the same as Steps S712 through S714 of FIG.19. Read program (1), subsequent to executing Step S723, transfers theread data to the host 100, and ends processing (S724).

Furthermore, when the result of Step S301 is “Yes”, the page replicationprocess can be carried out by changing Steps S312 and S313 to Steps S716through S718, and changing Steps S315 and S316 to Steps S719 throughS724.

Next, FIGS. 21 through 23 will be used to explain an example ofprocessing for carrying out page replication from the own module to theother module that has a path to the I/O-targeted virtual volume 302 whenissuing an I/O to a page 301 in the own module.

To realize this processing, the own module 200 must be able to recognizewhich module 200 has the path to the I/O-targeted virtual volume 302.This, for example, can be realized in accordance with the pathinformation table 22111 shown in FIG. 21. That is, the number of thepath-defined module is added to the path information table 22111 in thefirst embodiment for each path. The “path-defined module number” is themodule number of the module 200 that has a path to the virtual volume302 identified by the volume number. When a plurality of modules 200 haspaths to the virtual volume 302 identified by the volume number, themodule numbers of the plurality of modules 200 are stored as the valuesof the “path-defined module number”.

FIG. 22 will be used to explain the process for changing thepath-defined module numbers of the path information tables 22111 in therespective modules 200 at path definition time. Hereinafter, this changeprocess will be explained by treating the module 200 having the port 261used in a path definition as module (1), and a module 200 already havinga path to the target virtual volume 302 as module (2).

This process is realized by the CPU 271 of the maintenance terminal 270executing the maintenance program 273, and the path definition program2223 in modules (1) and (2) being executed. Furthermore, this processcan be a variation of the path definition process shown in FIG. 11.

The maintenance program 273 issues a path definition indication tomodule (1) (S800). At this time, in addition to notifying module (1) ofthe port number of the port 261 specified by the user and the volumenumber of the specified virtual volume 302, the maintenance program 273also notifies module (1) of the module number of the module 200 that hasdefined the path to the virtual volume 302 of this volume number.

The path definition program 2223 of module (1), which receives the pathdefinition indication, updates the virtual volume table 22121 asnecessary by executing Steps S202 through S204 the same as theprocessing of FIG. 11.

Next, the path definition program 2223 registers the port number of thespecified port 261, the volume number of the specified virtual volume302, the module number of module (1), and the module number of thepath-defined module 200 in the path information table 22111 (S801).Furthermore, the value notified from the maintenance program 273 isregistered in the module number of the path-defined module 200.

Subsequent to updating the path information table 22111, the pathdefinition program 2223 reports end to the maintenance program 273 ofthe maintenance terminal 270.

The maintenance program 273 notifies module (2), which already has apath to the path definition-targeted virtual volume 302, that module (1)has implemented a new path definition (S802), and waits for anend-report from module (2) (S803). Furthermore, the maintenance program273 also delivers the module number of module (1), and the volume numberof the target virtual volume 302 to module (2) at this time.

To execute Step S802, for example, the maintenance program 273 must beable to recognize that module (2) has a path to the target virtualvolume 302. This, for example, can be realized as follows. That is, themaintenance program 273 issues a command to module (2) beforehand todefine a path to the target virtual volume 302. By storing the contentsof this previous command in the memory 272 of the maintenance terminal270, the maintenance program 273 is able to recognize the fact thatmodule (2) has a path to the target virtual volume 302.

The path definition program 2223 of module (2), which receives thenotification from the maintenance program 273, updates the pathinformation table 22111 (S804). More specifically, the path definitionprogram 2223 adds the module number of the notified module (1) as thevalue of the “path-defined module number” in the row corresponding tothe notified volume number. Subsequent to updating the path informationtable 22111, the path definition program 2223 reports end to themaintenance terminal 270 (S805).

The maintenance program 273 receives the end-report from the pathdefinition program 2223 of module (2) (S806), and ends processing(S807).

Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 22, the module 200 that already hasa path to the target virtual volume 302 was explained as being onlymodule (2), but when there are three or more modules 200, themaintenance program 273 also executes Steps S802 through S807 for therespective modules 200 besides module (2).

Accordingly, it is possible for all modules 200 having paths to thetarget virtual volume 302 to recognize a module 200 that has a path tothe relevant virtual volume 302.

FIG. 23 will be used to explain an example of a process for carrying outpage replication to the other module having a path to the I/O-targetedvirtual volume at I/O processing time. At this time, the own module 200that receives the I/O request from the host 100 is treated as module(1), and the module 200 that constitutes the new replication destinationis treated as module (2). Hereinafter, it is supposed that a writerequest has been received as the I/O request.

Subsequent to executing Step S506 of FIG. 12, write program (1)references virtual volume table (1), checks the read frequency of thewrite-targeted virtual area, and determines whether or not the readfrequency is high (S900). When the read frequency is low (S900: No),write program (1) ends the processing (S904).

Conversely, when the read frequency is high (S900: Yes), write program(1) determines whether or not there is a module 200 which has a path tothe write-targeted volume and which does not have a replica for thehigh-read-frequency virtual area (S901). More specifically, writeprogram (1) checks the “path-defined module number” of path informationtable (1) and the “replication module” corresponding to thehigh-read-frequency virtual area in virtual volume table (1). When thereis no pertinent module 200 (S901: No), write program (1) ends theprocessing (S904). As used here, the “pertinent module” is a module thatdoes not comprise the value of the “replication module” of virtualvolume table (1), but does comprise the value of the “path-definedmodule number” of path information table (1).

When a pertinent module 200 (in this example, module (2)) exists (S901:Yes), write program (1) stores the data stored in the replication-sourcepage 301 allocated to the high-read-frequency virtual area in cache unit(1) (S902), and requests that the pertinent module 200 (module (2))carry out a replication (S903). At this time, write program (1) notifiesmodule (2) of the cache address of this data, the value of the“allocation module” for this high-read-frequency virtual area, the“address” value, “replication module” value, and “read frequency” value.

Write program (1) repeatedly executes Steps S901 through S903 in orderto carry out page replication to different modules 200 as well.

Module (2) processing will be explained. The replica creation program2226 of module (2), which receives the replication indication frommodule (1), determines whether or not there is an unallocated page 301in module (2) (S905). If an unallocated page 301 does not exist (S905:No), the processing ends (S908). By contrast, when an unallocated page301 exists (S905: Yes), the replica creation program 2226 transfers thetargeted data from module (1) (the notified cache address) to module(2), and stores this data in the unallocated page 301 in module (2)(S906). This processing is the same as that of Steps S608 through S611of FIG. 18.

Next, the replica creation program 2226 notifies all the modules 200(except module (2), but inclusive of module (1)) that have pages 301allocated to the target virtual area that module (2) has been newlyadded as the “replication module”. The respective modules 200 thatreceive this notification add “module (2)” as the “replication module”value of the virtual volume table 22121 in these modules 200 (S907).This processing is the same as that of Steps S612 through S614 of FIG.18.

As described hereinabove, it is possible to replicate write-data andother such targeted data to the other module 200 at write processingtime. Furthermore, in the explanation, a write process was given as anexample, but a read process can be realized in the same manner.

Now then, when data is only updated for the module 200 that received thewrite request for a certain virtual area, the data in this module 200 ispost-update data, and the replicated data in the other module 200becomes pre-update data. That is, the data content will differ. In thiscase, when the other module 200 receives a read request that has theabove-mentioned certain virtual area as the read-targeted area from thehost 100, there is the possibility of the pre-update data beingtransferred to the host 100.

A write process for avoiding an inconsistent state such as this will beexplained hereinbelow. More specifically, a method for deleting areplicated page at write time, and a method for updating all replicateddata at write time will be explained. In so doing, data that exists inthe own module 200, which received the write request, will be treated asthe original data, and data, which has the same content as this data andwhich exists in the other module 200, will be treated as the replicateddata.

FIG. 24 will be used to explain an example of a process for deleting areplicated page of a module 200 other than the own module 200 at writeprocessing time. In so doing, the own module 200 will be explained asmodule (1), and the other module 200 having the replicated page will beexplained as module (2).

The processing shown in FIG. 24 is realized as follows. For example, thewrite program 2222 in module (1) is executed. The replica deletionprogram 2227 in module (2) is executed.

Furthermore, this processing is a variation of the write process shownin FIGS. 12 and 14. More specifically, in the case of FIG. 12, theprocessing for deleting a replica shown in FIG. 24 (S1101 through S1107)can be added between Steps S504 and S505. Further, in the case of FIG.14, the processing for deleting a replica shown in FIG. 24 (S1100through S1107) can be added between Steps S111 and S112 in Step S1011(the same as S104 through S115). Furthermore, FIG. 24 shows all thesteps that add the processing for deleting a replica (S1100 throughS1107) to the processing of FIG. 12.

The write program 2222 recognizes that write-data is in module (1) (S500through S504).

Next, the write program 2222 checks whether or not there is a module 200that has replicated data corresponding to the write-data by referencingvirtual volume table (1) (S1100). More specifically, write program (1)references the “replication module” corresponding to the write-targetedvirtual area. When a pertinent module 200 does not exist (S1100: No),write program (1) executes a write process (S505 through S509).

When a pertinent module 200 (module (2)) exists (S1100: Yes), writeprogram (1) requests that module (2) delete the replicated page (S1101).Write program (1), for example, notifies module (2) of the volume numberof the write-targeted virtual volume, and the address of thewrite-targeted virtual area at this time.

The replica deletion program 2227 of module (2), which receives therequest to delete the replicated page 301, specifies the replicated page301 in module (2) (S1102). More specifically, the replica deletionprogram 2227 uses the virtual volume number and address notified frommodule (1) to reference virtual volume table (2).

Next, the replica deletion program 2227 deletes the allocation to thevirtual area of the page 301 specified in Step S1102 (releases this page301) by updating page table (2) and virtual volume table (2) (S1103 andS1104). More specifically, the value of “status” in page table (2) ischanged to “unallocated” for the page 301 specified in Step S1102, andthe value of “allocation destination” is changed to “−”. Furthermore,the value of “allocation module” in virtual volume table (2) is changedto “module (1)” for the allocation-destination virtual area of this page301, and the value of “replication module” is also changed to “−”. Thereplicated data is deleted in this way. That is, in the secondembodiment, “replicated page deletion” is the deletion of replicatedpage allocation (That is, the “status” of this page is changed from“allocated” to “unallocated”.).

Subsequent to deleting the replicated page, the replica deletion program2227 reports end to module (1) (S1105).

Write program (1), upon receiving the end-report from module (2)(S1106), updates virtual volume table (1) (S1107). More specifically,the value of “allocation module” in virtual volume table (1) is changedto “module (1)”, and the value of “replication module” is also changedto “−”.

Next, write program (1) repeatedly executes Steps S1100 through S1107 inorder to delete the replicated page of a different module 200 as well.

The replicated page of the other module 200 can be deleted in this way.

Next, FIG. 25 will be used to explain an example of a process forupdating all replicated pages at the time of a write process. In sodoing, the own module 200 will be explained as module (1), and the othermodule 200, which has a replicated page, will be explained as module(2).

The processing shown in FIG. 25 is realized by the write program 2222being executed in modules (1) and (2).

Furthermore, this processing is a variation of the write processingshown in FIGS. 12 and 14. More specifically, in the case of FIG. 12, theprocessing for updating a replica of the other module 200 shown in FIG.25 (S1200 through S1204) is added between Steps S504 and S505. Further,in the case of FIG. 14, the processing for updating a replica of theother module 200 shown in FIG. 25 (S1200 through S1204) is added betweenSteps S111 and S112 in Step S1011 (the same as S104 through S115).Furthermore, FIG. 25 shows all the steps that add the processing forupdating a replica of the other module 200 (S1200 through S1204) to theprocessing of FIG. 12.

Write program (1) recognizes that write-data is in module (1) (S500through S504).

Next, write program (1) checks whether or not there is a module 200 thathas replicated data of the write-data by referencing virtual volumetable (1) (S1200). More specifically, write program (1) references the“replication module” corresponding to the write-targeted virtual area.When a pertinent module 200 does not exist (1200: No), write program (1)executes a write process (S505 through S509).

When a pertinent module 200 (module (2)) exists (S1200: Yes), writeprogram (1) stores the write-data in the cache unit 223 (S1201), andrequests that module (2) write the write-data (S1202).

Write program (2) of module (2), which receives the request to write thewrite-data, stores the write-data in the replicated page 301 in module(2), and ends processing (S1203). This processing is the same as StepsS110 through S113 of FIG. 4.

Write program (1), upon receiving an end-report from module (2) (S1204),repeatedly executes Steps S1200 through S1204 to also update thereplicated page 301 of a different module 200.

As described hereinabove, the data in the replicated page of the othermodule 200 can be updated in line with the updating of the write-data.Furthermore, for example, either a first or second update method can beemployed as the replicated page update. The first update method is onein which post-update replicated data is written over data stored in thereplicated page allocated to the virtual area. The second update methodis one in which a new replicated page, in which post-update replicateddata is stored, is allocated to the allocation-destination virtual areaof the replicated page in place of this replicated page.

Hereinbelow, FIGS. 26 through 28 will be used to explain (1) thedeletion of a replicated page at page 301 allocation; (2) the deletionof a replicated page at path deletion; and (3) the timed deletion of areplicated page.

First, FIG. 26 will be used of explain an example of processing fordeleting a replicated page when allocating a page 301. When a page hasnot been allocated to a write-targeted virtual area, it is possible thata page 301 capable of being allocated to this virtual area does notexist. A page for storing write-data can be secured at this time bydeleting a replicated page 301. In the following explanation, the module200 that receives the write request from the host 100 will be treated asmodule (1), and the module 200 that has a deletion-targeted replicatedpage will be treated as module (2).

The processing shown in FIG. 26, for example, is realized as follows.That is, the page allocation program 2225 is executed in module (1), andthe control information update program 2228 is executed in module (2).

Furthermore, this processing can be realized by changing the pageallocation process shown in FIG. 15. More specifically, processing fordeleting the replicated page 301 in the own module 200 (S1300 throughS1309) is added immediately prior to Step S405 of FIG. 15.

When allocating a new page 301, the page allocation program 2225 ofmodule (1) determines whether or not an unused page 301 exists in module(1) (S400, S401).

When there is no unused page 301 in module (1) (S401: No), the pageallocation program 2225 determines whether or not there is a replicatedpage 301 in module (1) (S1300). More specifically, a row in which thevalue of “replicated bit” is “ON” is searched for in the virtual volumetable 22121. Furthermore, a volume other than the write-targeted volumeis also a search target. That is, a replicated page allocated to avirtual volume 302 other than the write-targeted volume can also bedeleted. When the result of the search is that a replicated page 301does not exist (S1300: No), Steps S405 through S416 of FIG. 15 areexecuted, and processing ends (S1301).

Conversely, when a replicated page 301 does exist (S1300: Yes), the pageallocation program 2225 references the “read frequency” of thereplicated page 301, and decides the page 301 with the lowest “readfrequency” value (S1302).

The page allocation program 2225 deletes the replicated page 301 byupdating page table (1) and virtual volume table (1) (S1303, S1304).More specifically, the value of the replicated page 301 “status” ischanged to “unallocated”, and “allocation destination” is changed to “−”in page table (1). Furthermore, “module (1)” is deleted from the valuesof “allocation module” and “replication module” corresponding to thevirtual area for which the replicated page 301 is the allocationdestination in virtual volume table (1).

Next, the page allocation program 2225 determines whether or not thereis the other module 200 (module (2)) that has a replicated pagecorresponding to the released replicated page 301 (S1305). When such theother module 200 exists (S1305: Yes), the page allocation program 2225notifies the pertinent the other module 200 of the fact that thereplicated page 301 was released (S1306). The pertinent the other module200, for example, is a module that corresponds to the value of the“replication module” corresponding to the virtual area to which thereleased replicated page had been allocated. The page allocation program2225 notifies module (2) at the time of Step S1306 of the value of the“address” and the value of the “virtual volume number” corresponding tothe virtual area to which the released replicated page had beenallocated.

The control information update program 2228 in module (2), whichreceives the notification from module (1), deletes “module (1)” as thevalue of “allocation module” and “replication module” corresponding tothe above-mentioned notified “address” and “virtual volume number” invirtual volume table (2) (S1307). Subsequent to this deletion, thecontrol information update program 2228 reports end to module (1)(S1308).

The page allocation program 2225 of module (1) receives the end-reportfrom module (2) (S1309). Then, the page allocation program 2225repeatedly executes Steps S1305 through S1309.

Upon completing the notification to all modules 200 having a replicatedpage corresponding to the released replicated page 301, the pageallocation program 2225 returns to Step S401, and executes pageallocation processing relative to the write request (S402 through S404).Since the replicated page 301 was released, the determination in StepS401 becomes “Yes”.

As described hereinabove, a situation in which a write cannot be carriedout due to a shortage of pages can be avoided by releasing a replicatedpage 301.

Next, FIG. 27 will be used to explain an example of processing fordeleting a replicated page at path deletion time.

When deleting a path to the virtual volume, the module 200 having theport 261 used by the deletion-targeted path ceases to receive I/Orequests from the host 100. Thus, executing a replicated page deletionis effective at this time.

The module 200 having the port 261 used by the deletion-targeted pathwill be explained as module (1), and the module 200 having a differentpath to the destination volume of the deletion-targeted path will beexplained as module (2).

The processing shown in FIG. 27, for example, is executed as follows.The path deletion program 2224 is executed in module (1). The replicacreation program 2226, path deletion program 2224 and controlinformation update program 2228 are executed in module (2). Furthermore,the execution of these module (2) programs is triggered by anotification from module (1).

First, path deletion program (1) receives a path deletion indication(S1400). Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, this indicationis issued from the maintenance program 273 of the maintenance terminal270.

Next, path deletion program (1) determines whether or not there is theother module 200, which has a path to the destination volume of thetarget path, and, in addition, which has not been notified of the pathdeletion by module (1) (S1401). When the pertinent module 200 exists,the path deletion program 2224 notifies the pertinent module 200 of theupdating of the path information table 22111 (S1402). The path deletionprogram 2224 notifies the pertinent module 200 of the volume number ofthe destination volume at this time.

Path deletion program (2) of module (2), which receives the pathinformation table 22111 update notification from path deletion program(1), updates the path information capable of being specified inaccordance with the volume number of the destination volume of the pathinformation table 22111 (S1403). More specifically, “module (1)” isdeleted as the value of “path-defined module”.

Subsequent to the deletion, path deletion program (2) reports end tomodule (1) (S1404).

Path deletion program (1) of module (1) receives the end-report frommodule (2) (S1405). Then, path deletion program (1) repeatedly executesSteps S1401 through S1405 to also notify different modules 200 havingpaths to the destination volume of the updating of the path informationtable 22111.

Upon notifying all the modules 200 having paths to the destinationvolume of the updating of the path information table 22111, pathdeletion program (1) proceeds to Step S1406. The steps following StepS1406 is processing for copying a page 301 that only module (1) has to apage 301 of the other module 200, and for deleting in module (1) a page301 that has been replicated in a module 200 other than module (1). Oncethe path has been deleted, module (1) does not receive I/O from the host100. Thus, as described hereinabove, copying a page 301 to the othermodule 200 lowers the frequency of I/Os that span the modules 200.

Path deletion program (1) determines whether or not a page 301 that onlyexists in module (1) is among the pages 301 allocated to the destinationvolume of the deletion-targeted path (S1406). This processing can berealized by searching for the row in virtual volume table (1) in whichthe value of “replicated bit” is “OFF” and the value of “allocationmodule” is “module (1)”. When there is a page 301 that only exists inmodule (1), path deletion program (1) determines whether or not there isthe other module 200 that has a path to the destination volume of thedeletion-targeted path (S1407). When the other module 200 (module (2))having a path to the destination volume exists, path deletion program(1) replicates the data in the page 301 that exists only in module (1)in module (2) (S1408). This processing is the same as that of Steps S902through S908 explained using FIG. 23. Next, path deletion program (1)deletes from module (1) that page 301 from among the pages 301 allocatedto the destination volume for which a replicated page exists in a moduleother than module (1) (S1409). This processing is the same as that ofSteps S1303 through S1309 explained using FIG. 26. Further, when theresults of the determinations of Steps S1406 and S1407 are “No”, StepS1408 is skipped, and Step S1409 is carried out.

Next, path deletion program (1) determines whether or not there is apage 301 that exists only in module (1) among the pages 301 allocated tothe destination volume of the deletion-targeted path (S1410). Thisdetermination will constitute “Yes” (exists) when processing hasproceeded from Steps S1407 through S1409, and when all of the pages 301that exist only in module (1) cannot be replicated in module (2) in StepS1408. In this case, the information of the target volume cannot bedeleted from virtual volume table (1) because there is the possibilityof the data in module (1) being read/written via the port 261 of theother module 200. Accordingly, path deletion program (1) skips StepS1411 and proceeds to Step S1412.

In the meantime, when the determination of Step S1410 constitutes “No”(does not exist), path deletion program (1) deletes the information ofthe destination volume from virtual volume table (1) and proceeds toStep S1412.

Path deletion program (1) deletes the information of thedeletion-targeted path from path information table (1), and reports end(S1413). Furthermore, the destination of the end-report is themaintenance program 273 of the maintenance terminal 270.

FIG. 28 will be used to explain an example of processing for deleting areplicated page 301 for which a fixed time has passed since thereplicated data was written. Furthermore, this processing can also beused in combination with the already described replicated page deletionat the time of a write, replicated page deletion at new page allocationtime, and replicated page deletion at path definition time.

Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the time at which a page301 was allocated (hereinafter, page allocation time) is recorded in thevirtual volume table 22121 to realize this processing. Further,hereinafter, the length of time that a replicated page 301 is savedwithout being deleted will be called the “replica duration”.Hereinbelow, an explanation will be given using processing in module (1)as an example, but this processing is carried out by the replicadeletion program 2227 in the respective modules.

Replica deletion program (1) sets the first virtual area of the virtualvolume having the volume number “0” (in this embodiment, the address isfrom “0” to “99”) as the processing target (S1500).

Next, replica deletion program (1) determines whether or not a page hasbeen allocated to the processing-targeted virtual area (S1501). Whenpage allocation has been completed, replica deletion program (1)determines whether or not the page 301 allocated by module (1) is areplica of a page 301 allocated by the other module 200 (S1502). Thisdetermination can be made by referencing virtual volume table (1) anddetermining whether or not “module (1)” exists as the “replicationmodule” value.

When the result of either Step S1501 or Step S1502 is “No”, replicadeletion program (1) determines whether or not the currentprocessing-targeted virtual area is at the end of theprocessing-targeted volume (S1506). When the current processing-targetedvirtual area is at the end of the volume, replica deletion program (1)sets the first virtual area of the next volume (the volume having thenext volume number) as the next processing target (S1507), and returnsto Step S1501. Conversely, when the current processing-targeted virtualarea is not at the end of the volume, replica deletion program (1) setsthe next virtual area in the same volume as the processing target(S1508) and returns to Step S1501.

In the meantime, when both Steps S1501 and S1502 are “Yes”, replicadeletion program (1) obtains the value of “page allocation time”corresponding to the processing-targeted virtual area from virtualvolume table (1) (S1503). Next, replica deletion program (1) determineswhether or not (replica duration+page allocation time) is greater thanthe current time (S1504). When (replica duration+page allocation time)is equal to or greater than the current time, the replica deletionprogram 2227 deletes the replicated page 301 that has been allocated tothe processing-targeted virtual area because the replicated page 301exceeds the replica duration (S1505). This deletion processing is thesame as that of Steps S1303 through S1309 that was explained using FIG.26. Conversely, when (replica duration+page allocation time) is lessthan the current time, the replica deletion program 2227 proceeds toStep S1506 because the replica duration has not been exceeded, doingaway with the need to delete the replicated page 301 allocated to theprocessing-targeted virtual area.

As described hereinabove, it is possible to delete a replicated page onthe basis of time. Furthermore, the replica duration can be changedautomatically in accordance with the read frequency of the replicatedpage 301. For example, the replica duration can be made longer for thereplicated page allocated to a virtual area with a high read frequency.More specifically, for example, the value of the “read frequency”corresponding to the replicated page 301 allocated to theprocessing-targeted virtual area can be referenced in Step S1504 of FIG.28, and the replica duration can be changed in accordance with thisvalue.

Several preferred embodiments have been explained hereinabove, but theseembodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and donot purport to limit the scope of the present invention to theseembodiments alone. The present invention can be put into practice in avariety of other modes. For example, instead of an identificationnumber, another type of identifier can be used. For example, as shown inFIG. 29, the coupling with own module can be tight, and the couplingwith another module can be loose.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage system that receives an I/O requestfrom a computer and processes the I/O request, comprising: a firstmodule and a second module, wherein the first module comprises: a firstport that is coupled to the computer, to receive any said I/O requestdirected to the first port; a first virtual volume which is: configuredfrom a plurality of first virtual areas; associated with the first port;and assigned a volume identifier; a first memory area that stores firstvirtual area management information, which is information related torespective first virtual areas of the plurality of first virtual areas;a first physical storage device; a first pool that is configured from aplurality of first real areas of the first physical storage device; afirst I/O processor that processes the I/O request received via thefirst port; and a first module interface device that is coupled to thesecond module, and the first virtual area management informationincluding an identifier of an allocation module, which is a modulehaving an allocated real area for first virtual area of the plurality offirst virtual areas, the second module comprises: a second port that iscoupled to the computer, to receive any said I/O request directed to thesecond port; a second virtual volume which is: configured from aplurality of second virtual areas; associated with the second port; andassigned the same volume identifier as the volume identifier assigned tothe first virtual volume; a second memory area that stores secondvirtual area management information, which is information related torespective second virtual areas of the plurality of second virtualareas; a second physical storage device; a second pool that isconfigured from a plurality of second real areas of the second physicalstorage device; a second I/O processor that processes the I/O requestreceived via the second port; and a second module interface device thatis coupled to the first module, the second virtual area managementinformation including an identifier of an allocation module, which is amodule having an allocated real area for each second virtual area of theplurality of second virtual areas, and (A) when the second modulereceives a write request (W1) from the computer and a real area has notbeen allocated to a write-targeted virtual area (V21) specified by thewrite request (W1), the second I/O processor searches for an unallocatedsecond real area (R21) from among the plurality of second real areas,and: if said unallocated second real area (R21) is available, allocatessaid unallocated second real area (R21) to the second virtual area(V21), writes data according to the write request (W1) to the secondreal area (R21), and writes an identifier of the second module in thefirst and second virtual area management information as the identifierof the allocation module corresponding to the second virtual area (V21);if said unallocated second real area (R21) is not available, effectsallocation of an unallocated first real area to the first virtual area,writes data according to the write request (W1) to the first real area,and writes an identifier of the first module in the first virtual areamanagement information as the identifier of the allocation modulecorresponding to the first virtual area; and (B) when the first modulereceives a write request (W2) from the computer and a first real areahas not been allocated to a write-targeted first virtual area (V11)specified by the write request (W2), the first I/O processor searchesfor an unallocated first real area (R11) from among the plurality offirst real areas, and: if said unallocated first real area (R11) isavailable, allocates said unallocated first real area (R11) to the firstvirtual area (V11), writes data according to the write request (W2) tothe first real area (R11), and writes an identifier of the first modulein the first and second virtual area management information as theidentifier of the allocation module corresponding to the first virtualarea (V11); and if said unallocated first real area (R11) is notavailable, effects allocation of an unallocated second real area to thesecond virtual area, writes data according to the write request (W2) tothe second real area, and writes an identifier of the second module inthe first and second virtual area management information as theidentifier of the allocation module corresponding to the second virtualarea.
 2. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the firstvirtual area management information comprises an identifier of areplication module for the each first virtual area, the replicationmodule being a module that has a real area in which replicated data isstored, the replicated data being obtained by replicating data stored ina real area in the allocation module corresponding to the first virtualarea, the second virtual area management information comprises anidentifier of a replication module for the each second virtual area, thefirst module further comprises a first data replication unit, (C) thefirst data replication unit writes replicated data of data stored in thesecond real area (R21) to a real area (R12), which is an unallocatedreal area from among the plurality of first real areas, and which is tobe allocated to a first virtual area (V12) of the same address as thatof the second virtual area (V21), and writes the identifier of the firstmodule in the first virtual area management information as theidentifier of the replication module corresponding to the first virtualarea (V12), and (D) the first module, upon receiving from the computer aread request in which the first virtual area (V12) is a read target,references the first virtual area management information, and if thereplication module corresponding to the first virtual area (V12) isspecified to be the first module even though the allocation modulecorresponding to the first virtual area (V12) is not the first module,reads out the data from the real area (R12) and transfers the acquireddata to the computer.
 3. The storage system according to claim 2,wherein the second module further comprises a second data replicationunit, (E) the second data replication unit references the second virtualarea management information, and specifies that the data, which isstored in the second real area (R21) allocated to the second virtualarea (V21), is not replicated, and the first data replication unitexecutes the processing of the (C) for the first virtual area (V12)corresponding to the specified the second virtual area (V21).
 4. Thestorage system according to claim 3, wherein the first virtual areamanagement information comprises, for the each first virtual area, aread frequency which is the number of times per unit of time that thefirst virtual area is a read target, and the first I/O processor, inresponse to reception of a read request, updates the read frequencycorresponding to a read-targeted first virtual area according to thisread request, the second virtual area management information comprises,for the each second virtual area, a read frequency which is the numberof times per unit of time that the second virtual area is a read target,and the second I/O processor, in response to reception of a readrequest, updates the read frequency corresponding to a read-targetedsecond virtual area according to this read request, and when the readfrequency corresponding to at least one of the first virtual area (V12)and the second virtual area (V21) is higher than a reference value, thereplication of data to the real area (R12) is carried out.
 5. Thestorage system according to claim 4, wherein the first virtual areamanagement information comprises, for the each first virtual area, awrite frequency which is the number of times per unit of time that thefirst virtual area is a write target, and the first I/O processor, inresponse to reception of a write request, updates the write frequencycorresponding to a write-targeted first virtual area according to thiswrite request, the second virtual area management information comprises,for the each second virtual area, a write frequency which is the numberof times per unit of time that the second virtual area is a writetarget, and the second I/O processor, in response to reception of awrite request, updates the write frequency corresponding to awrite-targeted second virtual area according to this write request; andthe reference value, which is compared to the read frequencycorresponding to at least one of the first virtual area (V12) and thesecond virtual area (V21), is a value based on the write frequencycorresponding to at least one of the first virtual area (V12) and thesecond virtual area (V21).
 6. The storage system according to claim 5,wherein, prior to the first virtual volume being defined in the firstmodule, the real area (R21) is allocated to the second virtual area(V21) of the second virtual volume defined in the second module, andtriggered by the first virtual volume associated with the first portbeing defined in the first module, the first module acquires, from thesecond module, the replicated data of data stored in the second realarea (R21).
 7. The storage system according to claim 5, wherein,triggered by the data according to the write request (W1) being writtento the second real area (R21) in the (A), the first module acquires,from the second module, the replicated data of data stored in the secondreal area (R21).
 8. The storage system according to claim 5, wherein (F)the second I/O processor notifies the first module that the second realarea has been allocated to the second virtual area (V21), and the firstI/O processor writes the identifier of the second module in the firstvirtual area management information as the identifier of the modulecorresponding to the first virtual area (V12) of the same address asthat of the second virtual area (V21), (G) when receiving, from thecomputer, a read request in which the first virtual area (V12) that hasthe same address as that of the second virtual area (V21) is the readtarget, the first module references the first virtual area managementinformation to specify that the real area allocated to the first virtualarea (V12) is in the second module, acquires from the second module thedata stored in the second real area (R21) allocated to the secondvirtual area (V21), and transfers the acquired data to the computer, andtriggered by the data stored in the second real area (R21) beingacquired in the operation (G), the operation (C) is carried out.
 9. Thestorage system according to claim 8, wherein (H) when receiving, fromthe computer, a write request (W3) in which the write target is thesecond virtual area (V21) to which the second real area (R21) has beenallocated, the second module sets the data, which is stored in thesecond real area for which the second virtual area (V21) is theallocation destination, as the data that accords with the write request(W3), and triggered by the operation (H), the first module acquires,from the second module, the data which is stored in the second real areaallocated to the second virtual area (V21) and which accords with thewrite request (W3), and sets the data, which is stored in the first realarea for which the first virtual area (V12) is the allocationdestination, as the replicated data of the data that accords with thewrite request (W3).
 10. The storage system according to claim 9, whereinthe first module further comprises a first replica deletion unit, andthe first replica deletion unit deletes the allocation of the first realarea to the first virtual area of a deletion target, for which theallocation module is the second module and the replication module is thefirst module.
 11. The storage system according to claim 10, wherein thefirst replica deletion unit, triggered by the association of the firstport with the first virtual volume being deleted, deletes the allocationof the first real area to the first virtual area of a deletion target.12. The storage system according to claim 10, wherein the first replicadeletion unit, triggered by the number of the unallocated first realareas becoming a prescribed number or less, deletes the allocation ofthe first real area to the first virtual area of a deletion target. 13.The storage system according to claim 12, wherein the first replicadeletion unit preferentially sets the first virtual area with the lowerread frequency as the first virtual area of a deletion target.
 14. Thestorage system according to claim 10, wherein the first module receivesa write request (W4) from the computer, and the first replica deletionunit deletes the allocation of the first real area (R12) to the firstvirtual area (V12) when a first real area has not been allocated to thewrite-targeted first virtual area (V4) specified by the write request(W4), and the first module does not have the unallocated first realarea.
 15. The storage system according to claim 14, wherein the firstreplica deletion unit deletes the allocation of a first real area forwhich a fixed time has passed since the replicated data is written. 16.A storage control method realized by a storage system which comprises aplurality of modules for receiving an I/O request from a computer andprocessing the I/O request, each module comprising a port coupled to thecomputer, a physical storage device, a pool configured from a pluralityof real areas of the physical storage area, and a module interfacedevice coupled to another module, wherein the plurality of modules havea common virtual volume configured from a plurality of virtual areas ofthe plurality of modules, respectively, where each virtual area of theplurality of virtual areas is assigned a same volume identifier; thestorage control method comprising: if a real area has not been allocatedto a write-targeted virtual area specified by a write request, a firstmodule receiving the write request from the computer, searches for anunallocated real area from among the plurality of real areas in thefirst module, and: if the unallocated real area is available, allocatesthe unallocated real area to the write-targeted virtual area as anallocated real area, writes data according to the write request to theallocated real area, and writes an identifier of the first module in awrite-targeted virtual area management information of the first moduleand a virtual area management information of the another module as theidentifier of the allocation module corresponding to the first virtualarea; and if the unallocated real area is not available, effectsallocation of another unallocated real area of another module, to thewrite-targeted virtual area as another allocated real area, writes dataaccording to the write request to the another allocated real area, andwrites an identifier of the another module in a write-targeted virtualarea management information of the first module and a virtual areamanagement information of the another module as the identifier of theallocation module corresponding to the another module.
 17. The storagecontrol method according to claim 16, wherein the first module notifiesa second module, which is a module other than the first module fromamong the plurality of modules, that a real area in the first module hasbeen allocated to the write-targeted virtual area, a certain secondmodule writes replicated data of data stored in the allocated real areato a real area, which is an unallocated real area from among theplurality of real areas in the certain second module and which is to beallocated to a virtual area having the same address as that of thewrite-targeted virtual area, and when receiving, from the computer, aread request in which the virtual area having the same address as thatof the write-targeted virtual area is a read-targeted virtual area, thecertain second module reads out data from a real area in the certainsecond module allocated to this virtual area, and transfers the read-outdata to the computer.
 18. A storage system module that receives an I/Orequest from a computer, comprising: a port that is coupled to thecomputer, to receive any said I/O request directed to the port; avirtual volume that is: configured from a plurality of virtual areas;associated with the port; and assigned a volume identifier, wherein thevolume identifier is assigned in common with the virtual volume ofanother storage system module such that the virtual volumes appear as aunitary virtual volume; a storage medium that stores virtual areamanagement information, which is information related to respectivevirtual areas of the plurality of virtual areas; a physical storagedevice; a pool that is configured from a plurality of real areas of thephysical storage device; an I/O processor that processes the I/O requestreceived via the port; and a module interface device that is coupled tothe other module, the virtual area management information includes, foreach virtual area, an identifier of an allocation module which is amodule having an allocated real area, and when receiving a write requestfrom the computer, if a real area has not been allocated to awrite-targeted virtual area specified by this write request, the I/Oprocessor searches for an unallocated real area from among the pluralityof real areas in this module, and: if the unallocated real area isavailable, allocates the unallocated real area to the write-targetedvirtual area as an allocated real area, writes data according to thewrite request to the allocated real area, and writes an identifier ofthe first module in a write-targeted virtual area management informationof the first module and a virtual area management information of theanother module as the identifier of the allocation module correspondingto the first virtual area; and if the unallocated real area is notavailable, effects allocation of another unallocated real area ofanother module, to the write-targeted virtual area as another allocatedreal area, writes data according to the write request to the anotherallocated real area, and writes an identifier of the another module inthe first and second virtual area management information as theidentifier of the allocation module corresponding to the another module.19. The storage system module according to claim 18, further comprisinga first replication processor that transfers the replicated data of datastored in the allocated real area to another module besides this module.20. The storage system module according to claim 19, further comprisinga second replication processor that acquires, from another module otherthan this module, replicated data of data stored in a real area in theother module, and writes the acquired replicated data to a real area,which is in the other module, which has the same address as that of anallocation-destination virtual area of this real area, and which is tobe allocated to a virtual area in the virtual volume in this module. 21.The storage system according to claim 1, wherein when the first modulereceives a read request from the computer, if a first real area has beenallocated to a read-targeted virtual area specified by the read request,the first I/O processor reads out, from the first real area, dataaccording to the read request, and transfers the read-out data to thecomputer.
 22. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the firstvirtual volume and the second virtual volume are recognized as a singlelogical volume by the computer.
 23. The storage control method accordingto claim 16, wherein the first virtual volume and the second virtualvolume are recognized as a single logical volume.
 24. The storage systemmodule according to claim 18, wherein the first virtual volume and thesecond virtual volume are recognized as a single logical volume by thecomputer.